Biennial CHAI! Blessings for 2020
January 2020
Dear Friends,
My first URJ Biennial was as a SCFTY President in my teens. For five decades since, as a student Cantor and throughout my professional life, I have joined 5,000 Reform Jews from around the world to learn, sing, pray, eat and celebrate Jewish life. This past gathering in Chicago was my CHAI year, 18th Biennial! I was not very excited going into the conference, feeling as though I’d aged out and anxious about navigating the waves of people and so many choices for learning. Nothing could have prepared me for the talented and generous souls who shared their knowledge and insights in meaningful ways. The outpouring of support and love I felt from so many for my music, now sung by a new generation of talented artists coming up the ranks, was heartwarming. Spending time with treasured friends and making new ones created a paradigm shift within me and restored my faith and spirit. One highlight was my set on the JRR Stage with Dana Bederson, we performed songs from Jospel Jam! Dana is a rising star and a blessing to the world. My updated Yoga Kabbalah chair practice, maxed out in attendance, was received gratefully and graciously by those who attended. My book, Yoga Shalom was 2nd top seller at Behrman House! Many of you have been requesting an updated Yoga Shalom practice and it is coming. I’m booking classes for next season and would love to share Yoga Kabbalah in your community. I’m literally still flying “CHAI” with gratitude for everyone who made the UJR Biennial Chicago so special. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
My prayer for all of us, this new year 2020, is that we remember to take time for our personal practice, use our intentional breathing to slow things down and bring focus to what we truthfully need to nurture ourselves. In this way, may our creative gifts and energies become beacons of light and hope for this troubled world. Remember to stay in touch, your emails and messages nurture MY spirit!
Namaste,
Reb Lisa
